Mike was thirty-three, ruggedly handsome, happily married, the father or two, and trying to get his construction business up and running. He had worked construction since he was sixteen and had gotten his degree from college. About fifteen months ago Mike went out on his own, hoping to become a large, independent contractor. He worked long, hard hours but the business was growing slowly, if not steadily. Mike needed that one big break and he thought he might have it if he could get the contract for the new warehouse that was going up in his town.
The owner of the warehouse was Bradford Sykes, one of the largest entrepreneurs in the country. The word was, if you got a contract with Sykes and he liked your work, there would be a lot more work coming your way. Mike contacted Sykes' company, got the specs for the warehouse, and was ready to make a proposal.
This afternoon at five p.m. Mike would have a private meeting with Sykes and a chance to make his dream come true.
Mike knocked on the hotel suite door at five sharp. The door opened slightly and all Mike saw was a blue eye and a partial head of salt and pepper hair. "Yes," was all the man said and Mike replied, "I'm Mike Wayne and I have a five o'clock meeting with Mr. Sykes."
"Come in," came the reply and the door opened fully. Mike was now standing face to face with Bradford Sykes, one of the most powerful men in the country. Mike looked at Sykes, a tallish man, trim and fit, with salt and pepper hair. What caught Mike off guard was that Sykes was just in a shirt, boxers, and socks.
Sykes shook Mike's hand and said, "I just had to get a shower. Sit down and relax and I will be right out. Get comfortable and make yourself a drink." With that Sykes went into the bathroom and turned on the shower. Mike mixed himself a drink and tried to steady his nerves. He went over his presentation in his mind and then the door opened. Sykes came out wearing a fluffy terry cloth robe. He made himself a drink and sat on the king sized bed.
Mike began his presentation which lasted nearly half an hour. When he was done, Sykes said, "I like what you have to say, I like your bid, but you don't have much experience. I'm not sure I want to go with someone who has no experience."
Mike gulped. "I may not have a lot of business experience but I have more than enough contracting experience." Sykes shook his head and said, "Business experience is what counts. You have to know how to please, and how to satisfy your clients. I'm not sure you now how to do that."
Mike said, "I can do a good job for you and I'm willing to learn to gain the business experience." Sykes smiled and asked, "Are you now?" Mike shook his head. Sykes continued, "Keep me pleased and you can go as far as you want." "I'm willing to do whatever it takes," said Mike.